About this Event
The Shepherd Branch Rail Corridor has a unique connection to Washington, D.C.’s military and transportation history. This guided walk will provide an opportunity to learn about the corridor’s past while imagining what it could become: a safe, accessible, and vibrant community connector linking neighborhoods, parks, trails, transit, the Anacostia River, and other important destinations across Wards 7 and 8.
Coffee & A Pastry Are on Us!
We’ll gather at Grounded for conversation before heading out. Registered participants will receive a complimentary coffee and pastry, courtesy of DC Go-Go Trails and Anacostia Park and Community Collaborative.
This is more than a walk. It’s an opportunity to connect over coffee, learn about an important piece of our community’s history, and help reimagine what the Shepherd Branch Rail Corridor could become.
Veterans, residents, families, neighbors, and trail supporters are all welcome. You do not need to be a veteran to participate.
🕙 Meet Up Time: Saturday, November 14 @ 8:00 AM (walk time is at 8:30 AM)
📍 Meet at Grounded (1913 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington DC 20020)
🥾 Please wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and long pants, sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks.
We will:
- Explore the trail segment between Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE and Nicholson Street SE (approximately 1.1 miles, one way)
- Discuss opportunities to integrate green infrastructure and sustainable design
- Share ideas for a climate-resilient trail that reflects community priorities.
Your voice is critical in shaping a greener, healthier, and more connected future East of the River.
New drawings of the future trail will be created for the community and posted to The DC Go-Go Trails Collective: East of the River social media and future website.
If you have any questions or would like to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Click here to follow us on Instagram!
With gratitude,
Nicole Retland, Ph.D.
DC Go-Go Trails Collective: East of the River & Ward 7 resident
PAST EFFORTS
The Pope Branch Restoration Alliance, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT), the Anacostia Parks and Community Collaborative (APACC), and many other dedicated partners have worked tirelessly to bring a shared vision to life: transforming the former CSX rail line along Fairlawn Avenue into a vibrant, safe trail that connects Ward 7 and 8 neighborhoods to Anacostia Park and beyond.
Thanks to their commitment and collaboration, significant progress has already been made — laying the foundation for what could become a cherished community asset. The Shepherd Branch Trail holds the promise of being more than just a path; it can be a vital connector, a safe space, a catalyst for healthier living, and a source of neighborhood pride.
Now, we have an opportunity to build on this momentum. By raising awareness and inviting more voices into the conversation, we can ensure the trail reflects the hopes and needs of the people who live here.
We’re grateful for all who have contributed so far — and we warmly invite you to join us. Your voice matters in shaping the future of this trail.
ABOUT US
The DC Go-Go Trails Collective: East of the River is a new community-based coalition.
Vision: A thriving, cleaner, and greener community in Washington, D.C.'s Wards 7 and 8, where vibrant land and water trails connect residents, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, to parks, nature, and each other. This fosters joy, social connection, and community pride while mitigating environmental impacts, enhancing neighborhood resilience, and supporting family success through local initiatives.
Mission: The DC Go-Go Trails Collective is a community-led coalition of residents, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and public agencies, working to improve health and quality of life in Washington, DC’s Wards 7 and 8 through the planning, creation, and activation of safe, interconnected land and water trails. By bringing residents onto trails and into nearby parks through community walks, bike rides, cleanups, and educational events that promote active living, environmental stewardship, and community pride east of the Anacostia River.
Event venue & nearby stays
Grounded: Plant Shop, Cafe, & Wellness Studio, 1913 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast, Washington, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.